The new A320 simulator is being used by the school’s pilot trainees working on an A320 type rating or ATP certificate, as well as by airlines and organizations who wish to dry lease simulator hours. AeroStar also announced the recent purchase of a Boeing 737 NG full flight simulator, which will be ready for training in early 2019, and the brand-new addition of their Part 141 FAA training certificate.

This grand opening is celebrating phase one of the company’s expansion, which includes a $1.5 million dollar building addition. The addition will feature a new state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance facility, Spectrum Aero, and several new simulators that have been acquired. These simulators provide student trainees with the opportunity to complete all necessary pilot training in-house, eliminating the need to travel to other locations for the simulator portion of their training. Phases two and three will roll out late 2018 and is estimated to cost approximately $2-3 million dollars to complete.

“We look forward to making our sim training more convenient for our students and having state-of-the-art equipment on-site that we will also be able to lease out to airlines and other training organizations and use for many years to come,” said Deidra Toye, AeroStar’s president & CEO.

By the time the expansion project is complete, the company will have secured over $30 million dollars in simulator assets and AeroStar will be the only school in the Americas that will be able to train pilots from obtaining a Private Pilot License to a complete Airline Transport Pilot License and type ratings on A320 or B737 under the same roof.

"Congratulations to AeroStar on this major expansion in the Orlando region," said Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership. "Our strength in the simulation and training industry as well as the aerospace industry provides a rich environment for growing companies like Aerostar looking for talent and resources in a low-cost business climate.”

“The City Commission is honored to have AeroStar Training Services at Kissimmee Gateway Airport as they are preparing to expand their facility and services. And, with the Aerospace Advancement Initiative only launching in April 2018, we are pleased to see the program already bringing high value and high wages jobs at Kissimmee Gateway Airport,” said Mayor, José Álvarez.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “AeroStar’s expansion is a testament to their confidence in Florida’s talented workforce and business-friendly environment. We appreciate AeroStar’s commitment and partnership to advancing Florida’s aerospace industry.”